Woman reads Declaration of Independence, hopes to make new tradition

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A Gwinnett County woman is on a mission to create a new 4th of July tradition.

She believes everyone should take time out and reflect upon the words that are the basis for this holiday.

"It is just something that occurred to me that would be a very fitting way to celebrate the 4th of July," Betsy Dahlberg told Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh.

Dahlberg said last year it was just her and her husband on the steps on the old Gwinnett County courthouse.

This year she was joined by friends, neighbors, even a couple of commissioners as she read the entire Declaration of Independence.

One of the people joining her was a neighbor, Alba, a native of India and now naturalized citizen.

"It's important that we acknowledge it and we remember it," Alba said, explaining the significance behind the words to her grandson. "It means so much to me because these freedoms are not there in so many parts of the world."

"Hot dogs and fireworks are great. Parades are great. Anything that celebrates is great. But this is just something to celebrate the basis for all of that," Dahlberg said.

Dhalberg said she hopes her tradition will continue not just in Gwinnett County, but across the country.